Activated bio-carbons prepared by physical activation of residues after supercritical extractionof raw plants

A series of activated bio-carbons has been obtained by physical activation of residues after supercritical extraction of blackberries, raspberries and blackcurrants. The effects of different temperatures of activation and different starting materials on the physicochemical and sorption properties of the bio-carbon samples obtained were evaluated. The physicochemical properties of the activated bio-carbons were characterized by elementary analysis, low-temperature nitrogen sorption and Boehm titration. All materials were tested as adsorbents of pollutants from gas (nitrogen dioxide) and liquid (iodine, methylene blue) phase. The sorption properties of the activated bio-carbons were tested at 23°C. The materials obtained were activated bio-carbons of surface area ranging between 303 and 442 m²/g and showing basic character of the surface. The content of elemental carbon in the obtained samples was in the range of 73.4-82.1 wt. %. The maximum adsorption capacities of the materials towards nitrogen dioxide were 65 mg/g, methylene blue -207 mg/g, and iodine 1001 mg/g. According to the adsorption tests towards nitrogen dioxide, the sorption capacities of the adsorbents studied were increased if a mixture of nitrogen dioxide and air had a humidity of 70 %. The mechanism of methylene blue adsorption involved the formation of adsorptive multilayer. The most effective adsorbent of organic and inorganic pollutants proved to be the activated bio-carbon obtained from the residues after supercritical extraction of blackcurrants.